Returning to the Workplace with Pandemic Baggage?

You’ve returned to the workplace and no one has adequately defined the post pandemic “new normal.”  Given that we are still in uncertain times, we aren’t truly post-pandemic, yet expected to act as if we are. No one is unchanged as a result of 2020-21, and that should be foremost in our minds when interacting with colleagues and clients alike. We’ve seen evidence of the disproportionate effects of the pandemic.  Many are coping with exposed vulnerabilities and losses, while some have welcomed unexpected positive outcomes, and others have had a range of experiences. As a result, staff’s work personas and expectations have undoubtedly changed. Bringing our “new selves” into the workplace and interacting with our colleagues’ “new selves” will take some getting used to.   As a manager or administrator, you may feel hesitant about offering guidance and creating new practices. Whether staff have been on-site, remote or hybrid, the need for exploring pandemic baggage and re-creating a positive climate is more crucial than ever.  Individualized technical assistance will help your team identify shared goals and practices, facilitating your organization’s new normal.